Analysing Cigarette Control Policy Initiation Through Survey On Public Opinion Case Study In Malang And Batu Cities
Daftar Isi:
- Background: the current existing policy on tobacco control in the province of east java is the governor's official letter (surat edaran gubernur jawa timur nomor 440/1333/031/2005) which calls for the implementation of smoke free areas. Therefore, it does not have the legal imperative to be obeyed by the community at large and to be implemented by the lower levels of the government such as cities and regencies in east java as malang and batu. Methods: this research used both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods including a survey questionnaire, observations, in-depth interviews and documentation review to explore the depth of the community's understanding regarding the benefits of tobacco control policy. The survey was conducted among smokers (heavy, moderate and non smokers) from represented villages (400 people) in the two cities. While for the qualitative data collection, in-depth interviews were conducted with several representatives of the local governments. Results: in malang, although the public survey indicated positive results, the issue of tobacco control policies has not been prioritized in the local government regulation. The respondents were closely divided in their opinions. When asked about the need for raising the price of cigarette as a health protection measure (52% mentioned need, 48% said do not need). On the need for running a campaign for a more stringent local tobacco control policy (55 % need, 45% do not need) and the need for raising the tax to reduce the number of cigarette industries (56% need, 44% do not need). Compared to this, batu city which has stepped forward in terms of tobacco control policy by issuing mayor's regulation of batu city (number 11 year 2011) which lead to the establishment of the smoke free area in the centrally located batu city park and the directive also states this area be free of street vendors including those selling tobacco products. Interestingly, the public survey conducted in batu shows a positive result in all indicators with a few exceptions. When asked about raising the price of cigarette to protect health (57% need, 43% do not need), running a campaign towards a more stingent tobacco control policy (57 % need, 43% do not need) and raising the tax for reducing the number of cigarette industries (58% need, 42% do not need). In regard to tobacco control issues, this research aimed to map out several value conflicts during the initiation process of policy by applying bozeman's public-value grid which identified the intersection between public value and market efficiency. This analysis was important because the debate was about health and economic values. Thacher and rein's model of managing value conflict were then applied to determine the strategies implemented by the government of malang and batu in managing value conflict during the initiation of tobacco control policy. Conclusions: regardless of its initial economic motive that batu city which is an attractive tourism site which emphasizes on comfort, the issuance of mayor's regulation has proven that batu government is at least concerned about tobacco control policy. Nevertheless, there is no binding policy in the regional regulations regarding tobacco control and smoke free areas in either city in spite of the sideeffects on health which are ultimately more expensive than taxing the industries . This is of major concern and would need to be addressed by concerned regional authorities for the health and well being of the citizens of malang and batu as well as others in east java.